Meaning
Used to state that something is absolutely necessary or crucial.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this phrase is a hallmark of 'Juridiquês' (legal-speak). Lawyers use it to sound more persuasive and authoritative in court documents. Portuguese political discourse often uses 'É imperioso que' during parliamentary debates to criticize the opposing party's lack of action. In official state media, this phrase is frequently used to announce new government decrees or national priorities. Across the Lusophone world, university professors expect students to use this type of vocabulary in their final theses to demonstrate academic maturity.
The C1 Essay Booster
Use this phrase once in your conclusion to show the examiner you can handle high-register Portuguese.
Subjunctive Alert
Never use the normal present tense after this. It's the most common way to lose points on an exam.
Meaning
Used to state that something is absolutely necessary or crucial.
The C1 Essay Booster
Use this phrase once in your conclusion to show the examiner you can handle high-register Portuguese.
Subjunctive Alert
Never use the normal present tense after this. It's the most common way to lose points on an exam.
Don't be a Robot
If you use this with your Brazilian host family at dinner, they will laugh and ask why you're talking like a judge.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in parentheses (Subjunctive).
É imperioso que o governo _______ (investir) em energias renováveis.
After 'É imperioso que', we must use the Present Subjunctive. 'Invista' is the correct form for 'ele/o governo'.
Which sentence uses the correct register for a casual conversation?
You want to tell your friend to buy bread.
'É imperioso que' is too formal for friends. 'Compra pão' is the natural, informal choice.
Match the phrase to the most likely context.
Context: A formal legal petition regarding a delayed trial.
The high formality and specific vocabulary ('sem mais delongas') fit the legal context perfectly.
Complete the formal dialogue.
Diplomata A: A situação na fronteira é crítica. Diplomata B: Concordo. ________ que enviemos observadores internacionais.
In a diplomatic context, 'É imperioso' provides the necessary weight and formality.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesÉ imperioso que o governo _______ (investir) em energias renováveis.
After 'É imperioso que', we must use the Present Subjunctive. 'Invista' is the correct form for 'ele/o governo'.
You want to tell your friend to buy bread.
'É imperioso que' is too formal for friends. 'Compra pão' is the natural, informal choice.
Context: A formal legal petition regarding a delayed trial.
The high formality and specific vocabulary ('sem mais delongas') fit the legal context perfectly.
Diplomata A: A situação na fronteira é crítica. Diplomata B: Concordo. ________ que enviemos observadores internacionais.
In a diplomatic context, 'É imperioso' provides the necessary weight and formality.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is used in both, though it is slightly more common in Portuguese formal writing.
Yes, you can say 'É imperioso fazer algo', but 'É imperioso que se faça algo' is more common in high-level writing.
'Urgente' focuses on time. 'Imperioso' focuses on the absolute necessity and authority of the requirement.
Only if the email is very formal and addressed to a high-ranking official or a legal department.
As an adjective, it can also mean 'arrogant' or 'bossy' when describing a person (e.g., 'Ele tem um tom imperioso').
Because the phrase expresses a 'will' or 'necessity' rather than a statement of fact.
No. In this impersonal construction, the adjective is always masculine singular.
No, 'mandatório' is often seen as an anglicism. 'Imperioso' or 'Imprescindível' are more natural in high-register Portuguese.
It's a soft, single-tap 'r', like the 'd' in the American English word 'ladder'.
It is considered C1 because of its formal register and the grammatical complexity it triggers.
Not really, as the concept of 'imperative necessity' is inherently formal. Slang would just use 'Tem que'.
Only if you are being very dramatic or poetic, like 'É imperioso que fiquemos juntos'.
'Facultativo' (optional) or 'Desnecessário' (unnecessary).
Very common, especially in opinion pieces (editoriais).
Related Phrases
É fundamental que
similarIt is fundamental that
É imprescindível que
synonymIt is indispensable that
É de suma importância que
similarIt is of utmost importance that
Urge que
specialized formIt is urgent that
É vital que
similarIt is vital that
